2001/2002 BASSMASTER Schedule Announced

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - April 17, 2001

B.A.S.S., the world's largest fishing organization, today unveiled the 2001-2002 schedule for fishing's premier series. The season features 18 events conducted under an exciting new format, leading to the BASS Masters Classic Shootout and culminating with the BASS Masters Classic, both to be held next summer. Competitions will take place under four different circuits, The BASSMASTER Tour (formerly the Top 150 ) and three geographical divisions, Eastern, Central and Western-- known as BASSMASTER Opens (formerly Invitationals).

"We are extremely excited about the new schedule and especially the new format," said B.A.S.S. Tournament Director Dewey Kendrick. "The venues we will be utilizing this year should provide excellent competition for our anglers." One site, Lake Ft. Gibson in Oklahoma, will be playing host to its first-ever BASSMASTER event. "Lake Ft. Gibson is an excellent fishery that will be tough for anglers to tame," said B.A.S.S. Assistant Tournament Director Mark Cosper. "The facilities there are superb." Sites for the 2002 BASS Masters Classic and the BASS Masters Classic Shootout will be announced at a later date.

By sanctioning over 20,000 tournaments worldwide, B.A.S.S. is the world's largest fishing organization. The BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit. It continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship after more than three decades.

BASSMASTER® TOUR

Lake St. Clair, Mt. Clemens, Michigan (near Detroit) August 22-25, 2001

Hudson River, Catskill, New York September 19-22, 2001

Red River, Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana October 31-November 3, 2001

Lake Seminole, Bainbridge, Georgia (near Tallahassee, Florida) February 6-9, 2002

Lake Guntersville, Guntersville, Alabama April 10-13, 2002

Lake Eufaula, Eufaula, Alabama May 8-11, 2002

BASSMASTER® WESTERN OPEN

Columbia River, Kennewick, Washington October 11-13, 2001

Lake Oroville, Oroville, California November 15-17, 2001

Lake Mead, Las Vegas, Nevada March 14-16, 2002

Clear Lake, Clearlake, California April 25-27, 2002

BASSMASTER® CENTRAL OPENS

Lake Ft. Gibson, Wagoner, Oklahoma October 11-13, 2001

Lake of the Ozarks, Osage Beach, Missouri November 8-10, 2001

Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Jasper, Texas February 21-23, 2002

Toledo Bend Reservoir, Many, Louisiana March 21-23, 2002

BASSMASTER® EASTERN OPENS

St. Lawrence River, Clayton, New York September 13-15, 2001

St. Johns River, Palatka, Florida December 6-8, 2001

Lake Martin, Alexander City, Alabama March 7-9, 2002

Potomac River, Charles County, Maryland April 25-27, 2002

For additional information contact: B.A.S.S. Communications (334) 272-9530